Mussolini gains power, 1920-22 Flashcards
LO: taking advantage of political unrest, establishing a dual policy, the March on Rome and its significance, role of Victor Emmanuel III, Mussolini's appointment as PM
how did Mussolini exploit social confusion and political instability in Italy?
he offered simple solutions to complex social and economic issues, gained support from WW1 veterans by emphasizing national glory, and took advantage of the weaknesses of the Liberal State and the fears of the landowners, middle-classes and industrialists
what role did Mussolini play in exploiting the instability of the national govt and the Socialist Party from 1920? (why)
he took advantage to further his political agenda and gain support
how did the split of the PSI into the PCI in january 1921 impact the political situation in Italy?
it weakend the political strength of the left-wing movement, as the PCI was too small to be a political threat, but it provided valuable propaganda for Mussolini, esp. as it aligned with the Bolsheviks
why did the formation of the PCI benefit Mussolini?
its focus on revolution and its alignment with the Bolsheviks provided Mussolini with propaganda, portraying Italy as on the brink of a communist revolution similar to Russia’s in 1917, which scared the middle classes and industrialists
what was the issue with the failure of parties to work together in an anti-fascist alliance?
various parties failed to unite against fascism due to personal animosities, such as Giolitti’s refusal to support the anti-Fascist coalition in July 1922, contributing to political instability and the collapse of several govts from 1919 to 1922
what effect did Giolitti’s electoral pact with Mussolini and the Fascists in 1921 have on the fascists’ influence?
his electoral pact allowed Mussolini’s fascists to enter parliament as govt-backed candidates. after winning, Mussolini immediately declared he would vote with the opposition, increasing the fascists’ influence in the govt
what was the outcome of the 1921 election for Mussolini and the fascists, and other parties?
they gained 35 seats in parliament, alongside 123 socialists, 15 communists, 107 PPI members.
Giolitti resigned after the election, signaling a shift in power
how did Giolitti’s successor (and who + when was it) attempt to control fascist squads?
in December 1921, Ivanoe Bonomi issues a feeble attempt to control the fascist squads by merely authorizing action, making anti-Fascist measures optional. This lack of firm action allowed fascist violence to continue unchecked
what was the impact of the general strike in July 1922 on the fascists?
strike called by socialists provided an excuse for fascist squads to attack strikers, burn the socialist newspaper Avanti!, and disrupt transportation, contributing to the view that the Italian govt was weak and needed replacement
how did fascist violence in 1922 contribute to Mussolini’s growing power?
it led to many elites to believe that fascists could support the govt in dealing with socialism, leading to further legitimacy and power for Mussolini
what did the violence of the fascist squads provide for the fascists?
basis for fascist strength and a possible means to overthrow parliament and seize power through force
what did Mussolini want to do instead of overthrowing the govt?
he wanted take power through more constitutional channels
why was the dual policy difficult to balance?
Mussolini had to make between the radical, revolutionary members of the PNF and those who were more conservative and wanted power through parlt
what was the Pact of Pacification and when?
August 1921
attempt of a pact with socialist trade union and PSI members in parlt
why did Mussolini want this pact? (what he said)
he asserted that it was necessary to bring political and social peace to Italy at a time when the nation required it
what were the real reasons for the pact?
cynical political manoeuvring
assert his dominance over fascism and force the ras to follow him
why did the pact fail?
he overestimated his ability to control the ras
how did Mussolini underestimate the ras?
Dino Grandi, Italo Balbo and Roberto Farinacci condemned the pact and meetings of squadristi were held throughout Italy, calling for an end to deal with socialists
what did Mussolini do as a response to the failing of the pact?
he resigned on 18 August
what was the impact of his resignation?
without his leadership, the fascists lacked unity or direction. The ras were unable to work together to formulate policy and Mussolini’s absence as leader consequently strengthened his position by demonstrating how crucial he was to the party
how did Mussolini gain loyalty of potential opponents within the party? (example)
Grandi was offered a prominent role on a new fascist journal and consequently confimed his support for Mussolini
when was the PNF conference?
November 1921
why was PNF conference important?
fascist delegates overwhelmingly voted to support Mussolini as leader and confirm the organisation of the movement into an official party, and crucially Mussolini had won a significant victory over the ras
what did the programme of the PNF confirm?
that the squadristi were under control of party leadership, not the ras
